It seems cornerbacks have been reinventing their position in recent years, expanding the scope and duties of the job. On any given play they might provide run support when it's clear the ball won't be coming their way in the air, or sprinting at the quarterback off the edge as a surprise pass rusher ... as if corners don't take enough chances shadowing receivers in an array of man-to-man and zone-coverage schemes.

The Green Bay Packers remained a unanimous selection for the top spot in USA TODAY postNFL draft power rankings. The Super Bowl XLV champions lead the way while a gaggle of playoff contenders the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets trails them in the top five.

The 2011 NFL draft is in the rear-view mirror. But it's a good time to look further back to the 2008 draft to fairly render grades on an NFL annual player selection meeting. After all, there's no way to know if Cam Newton will pan out, but it's fair to say Matt Ryan has. Report cards, please ...